Law Updates

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has updated the ALMM List-I for solar PV modules under the ALMM Order, 2019. This update ensures only BIS-compliant solar module manufacturers and models are enlisted. The enlistment applies to four categories of solar modules: Category I for utility or grid-scale power plants, Category II for rooftop and solar pumping systems, Category III for other applications, such as off-grid solar lamps and streetlights, and Category IV for small off-grid solar applications under 200 watts peak.

Each module must meet minimum efficiency standards. For crystalline silicon (c-Si) technology, utility-scale modules must achieve 20%, while rooftop modules require 19.5%. Thin-film CdTe modules must meet 18–19% depending on the application. Only models that meet these efficiency thresholds are considered for ALMM enlistment.

The latest revision, Revision-XLIV, updates the previous list dated 13.10.2025. BIS registration validity is mandatory, and any module without active BIS certification is automatically delisted. Each manufacturer and manufacturing unit in the list is assigned a BIS Registration Number. Additional details about certification, validity, and models are available on the BIS website.

This change helps everyone trust the solar market more. Only good-quality solar panels get a place on the list. These panels can work in big power plants, on rooftops, and in small off-grid systems like street lights and pumps. Every panel must follow BIS rules to stay on the ALMM list. If the rules are not followed, the panel name gets removed. This keeps solar products in India safe, strong, and ready to give clean power for a long time.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has notified the second amendment of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II for solar PV cells. This amendment follows the previous office memorandums issued in 2019, 2024, and the amendment dated 28 July 2025, which govern the ALMM implementation and enrolment process. The official List-II was published on 31 July 2025, and the latest revision has been released after obtaining clearance from the respective authority.

The revised list includes new entries added on 24 November 2025. A key inclusion is Websol Energy System Limited, registered with a manufacturing capacity of 602 MW per year. Its approval will stay valid from 24 November 2025 to 23 November 2029. 

MNRE’s update strengthens the government’s agenda for quality assurance and transparency in solar PV cell manufacturing. By maintaining and reviewing ALMM List-II, the ministry focuses on ensuring that only evaluated and compliant manufacturers are qualified for government-supported solar projects. This measure is expected to guide procurement decisions, uplift industry principles, and support India’s push toward sturdier domestic renewable energy manufacturing.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a directive to strengthen safety compliance for dairy units selling milk and milk products through vending machines, kiosks, and similar dispensing systems. To protect consumer health, avoid adulteration, and promote transparency, all dairy manufacturers operating such systems should maintain FSSAI-approved or validated rapid test kits at each vending location. These kits are intended for basic detection of common adulterants in milk and milk products.

Dairy units must also display simple, clear instructions on how to use the rapid test kits. They are required to simplify consumer self-checking either by allowing direct use of the kits at the kiosk or by giving demonstrations through trained staff. All test kits must remain within their validity period and be stored according to manufacturer guidelines to ensure accuracy. Additionally, dairy units must regularly monitor and maintain records of kit usage and test results.

This mandate aims to build consumer trust, ensure product integrity, and support a participatory food safety culture across dairy vending operations.

Hospitals and procurement agencies in India often ask for foreign approvals, like the USFDA or CE certification, while buying medical devices. But the Medical Devices Rules, 2017, clearly state that every medical device in India must have a valid license. This rule comes under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, to ensure the safety, quality, and correct performance of devices used in healthcare.

All medical devices are grouped into four risk classes: Class A (low risk), Class B (low to moderate risk), Class C (moderate to high risk), and Class D (high risk). Licensing depends on the risk class. State Licensing Authorities give manufacturing licenses for Class A and Class B devices and sales licenses for all classes. CDSCO gives import licenses for all classes and manufacturing licenses for Class C and Class D devices after a detailed technical check.

No medical device can be sold in India without a CDSCO license or a license from a State Licensing Authority. Hence, procurement agencies must make these licenses a compulsory requirement. Any other certification should be treated only as an additional requirement. This helps protect public health and ensures legal compliance in the country.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has extended the timeline for filing returns under EPR for Used Oil. All registered entities that operate under the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules must now file the annual returns for FY 2024-25 by 31 December 2025. Earlier, the last date for filing was 30 September 2025.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) received many requests from different stakeholders working under the EPR for the Used Oil system. They needed more time to complete the return filing process. After examining the matter, the Ministry approved the extension under Rule 30(5) of the HOWM Amendment Rules 2024.

This change helps producers, importers, collection agents, and recyclers meet their EPR responsibilities smoothly. The extension supports safe oil management, better reporting, and full compliance under the EPR for Used Oil framework in India.

The Indian Bureau of Mines has issued a fresh notification amending the fee structure for approving Final Mine Closure Plans. This update has been introduced under Section 18 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, along with Rule 24 of the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2017. The new order substitutes the earlier Gazette notification issued in February 2022, while keeping intact any actions already completed under the previous framework.

As per the revised decision, every Final Mine Closure Plan submitted to the Indian. The Bureau of Mines must now be complemented by a non-refundable fee. This fee applies to all minerals and mining areas covered under the relevant rules. However, the government has allowed a specific relaxation for miners handling Barytes, Felspar, Mica, or Quartz. If the closure plan for these minerals relates to an area up to 10 hectares and is filed on or before 31 December 2025, the payable fee will remain only one thousand rupees.

This update aims to bring clarity, improve regulatory consistency, and ensure that closure plans are submitted with proper accountability.